Businessweek Archives

The Week Ahead

August 16, 1992

Business Outlook

THE WEEK AHEAD

PRODUCTIVITY AND COSTS Tuesday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m.

Output per hour worked in the nonfarm sector likely rose at a 1% annual rate in the second quarter, down from a 2.6% advance in the first quarter. Nonfarm output posted a small gain last period, but total hours worked rose by an even slimmer amount. Unit labor costs, which fell at a 0.6% rate in the first quarter, likely grew by about 1.5% in the second.

PRODUCER PRICE INDEX Wednesday, Aug. 12, 8:30 a.m.

Producer prices for finished goods likely rose by just 0.2% in July, the same small gain recorded in June, say economists polled by McGraw-Hill Inc.s mms International. The modest inflation rate is suggested by lower fuel costs, along with generally sluggish demand.

RETAIL SALES Thursday, Aug. 13, 8:30 a.m.

Retail sales probably rose by about 0.3% in July, after a 0.5% gain in June. Warm weather boosted apparel and department-store sales last month, but car sales were lackluster.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX Thursday, Aug. 13, 8:30 a.m.

The mms consensus is that consumer prices rose by 0.3% in July, helped by lower gasoline prices. In June, prices also increased by 0.3%. Over the past year, consumer prices are up by 3.1%.

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION Friday, Aug. 14, 9:15 a.m.

Output at factories, mines, and utilities likely increased by 0.3% in July, partially reversing a 0.4% drop in June. Warmer weather increased the demand on utilities. Capacity utilization likely rose to 78.6% in July, from 78.5% in June.

BUSINESS INVENTORIES Friday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.

Inventories at manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers probably rose 0.1% in June, the same small gain as in May, say the mms economists. Manufacturers have already reported a 0.1% drop in their stock levels, but retailers probably saw their inventories rise.JAMES C. COOPER AND KATHLEEN MADIGAN